INVITATION FOR PRE-APPROVAL: Polymer-Blend Coagulants for Groundwater Treatment

Long Beach Public Utilities Department is soliciting polymer-blend coagulant products for pre-approval in anticipation of a future competitive procurement, with submissions due December 8, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. PDT. This is not a bid solicitation, request for pricing, or purchase commitment, and no contract award will result from this process. Only products that complete pre-approval become eligible for a subsequent competitive solicitation.

Vendors may submit a maximum of two polymer-blend products for groundwater treatment. Each submission requires one 1,000-milliliter sample, current NSF/ANSI/CAN 60 certification documentation, a current Safety Data Sheet, product technical data sheets with molecular weight distribution information, and a DOT-approved return shipping container with a prepaid return shipping label. Samples must be delivered to Skip Fulton, Manager of Water Treatment, at the Groundwater Treatment Plant, 2950 Redondo Avenue, Long Beach, California 90806.

Evaluation proceeds in two phases. Bench-scale jar testing determines optimum polymer-blend dosage in combination with ferric chloride. Products achieving a minimum of 30 percent total organic carbon removal advance to pilot-scale testing, which requires an additional 4,000 milliliters of product. Pilot criteria are finished water color of 5 color units or less, finished water turbidity below 0.10 NTU, at least 35 percent TOC removal, and filter headloss below 4 feet per 24 hours. Sample testing begins in December 2026 and is performed solely by Long Beach Public Utilities Department staff.

The subsequent bid evaluation will consider polymer-blend, ferric chloride, sludge handling and disposal, and pH adjustment chemical costs, each expressed per acre-foot treated. Previously approved products from Kemira, Sweetwater, General Chemical, Summit, and Polydyne are listed in the solicitation for reference.